Could Bramley have its own skatepark? It was the subject of a 217-name petition last year – but could now be moving a step closer to reality.
Asha Oguri is an undergraduate student from the University of Leeds on a placement with Your Back Yard, a regeneration organisation which works with local people, businesses, councils and others to identify what is needed in each community, find the money for it, and make it happen.
Here, Ashi writes about her vision for a skatepark, possibly in Bramley Park …
Over the past five weeks, I have had the opportunity to work with a fellow student on research regarding possible youth facilities – in particular, the idea of a skatepark – in the Bramley and Stanningley area of West Leeds.
The demand for youth facilities for local teenagers has been expressed by members of this community, with the idea of a skatepark as a recurrent idea in these discussions.
It seemed necessary, therefore, that research surveying the community around this idea should be done to help launch a skatepark for young people.
Youth facilities are certainly absent in many communities, so being involved in the skatepark idea was exciting for me as it felt like we would be contributing to something that local teenagers will undoubtedly benefit from.
As a young person I understand that having nowhere to go – especially for those too old to still be under the care of parents and too young to be going to the pub – is a problem as you are left to your own devices. A skatepark is a brilliant idea to give teenagers something to do as well as keeping them active.
The Bramley research
Research has been conducted in key areas including Bramley shopping centre, Bramley Park, Stanningley Park and residential homes nearby the parks.
It was important to gain responses from users and neighbours of the parks, as their support would be integral to launching the project.
We also had the opportunity to hold a session with Leeds West Academy’s school council which was especially important for the project as local teenagers, who would be the users of the skatepark, were able to voice their opinions on the design and location of the skatepark.
Initial review of responses
We are currently at 96 completed surveys, just under our target of 100, and so we are beginning to analyse the general feedback from the locals.
From the data collated so far, we can see that overall support for a skatepark is a majority, as many respondents have emphasised the lack of facilities for Bramley and Stanningley’s young people.
The favourite location for a skatepark is pointing towards Bramley Park due to its size and central location.
Our session with Leeds West Academy was really exciting for the project, as it is clear that local teenagers are really keen to help the project progress onto the next stage and with working up a design.
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below …
I’m a regular user of Bramley Park and a regular visitor to Bramley Centre and haven’t been asked my views. Personally, I’m NOT in favour of a skate park. Whilst I appreciate the need for more facilities for young people I don’t feel a skate park is the answer. I think this will just encourage groups to gather and intimidate other users of the park or nearby residents (this can happen by their sheer presence rather than intended). There will be the increased risk of vandalism and alcohol consumption.
I also feel that a concrete monstrosity of a skate park would ruin what is a lovely park that is used already by wide ranging groups of people – from dog walkers, young children, Park Runners, football teams etc. Have all these people been asked their views?
Yes, there are small groups of young people who see fit to use the park to set fire to wheelie bins but these thankfully are in a minority. I fear these incidents will increase upon the arrival of a skate park.
What a great idea! And in the perfect location – a large, open park where there’s ample space for everyone. It’s exactly what young people need, the one at the entrance to Pudsey Park works really well. We need more facilities like this for young people.
Really good to see this happening, and hope it gets off the ground.
I’m notice the NIMBYs will be full of doom and gloom. Are people actually serious when they say things like this:
I mean, seriously? “this can happen by their sheer presence rather than intended. Good Lord, so even if they are well behaved, we shouldn’t have a skate park because a group will congregate there and that’s ‘scary’? Talk about demonising… Adults should be setting better examples …
That’s great news for the younger generation of bramley and surrounding areas, however I haven’t heard much of safety in the area. I have parents living next to the park and I’m asking if you would consider putting some good quality CCTV around the area.
My back garden backs onto Bramley Park and nobody has been into our street to ask for the oponions of me or my neighbours. Its OK asking people in the Bramley shopping centre but they will not have to live with the skatepark. Please ask the people in the area who will be affected and allay any fears that we may have!
Does Bramley it’s actually live near the park?
If you’re referring to me, yes my house backs onto it.
Does Bramleyite actually live near the Park presumably not! I’m always very sceptical when people, such as Bramleyite, post things with, in effect, are anonymous. I enjoy reading your daily postings West Leeds Dispatch but feel that allowing anonymous postings is not the done thing in this day and age! Thank you.
Hi Philip,
As I stated in the post above, yes I do live overlooking the park, just as I know you do! 😉
I understand the points about noise etc and you’re quite right to seek assurances about that and security. Wherever the skatepark ends up being sited (if it ever happens) it’s right and proper that these factors are taken into account, although I do contest the stereotype that skatepark users must equal trouble.
I respect your views and your rights to give them. May I be so bold as to suggest that you stick to your own concerns and arguments (which you put very well and are very valid) rather than trying to undermine someone just because they hold a different viewpoint to you?
Trying to undermine my argument by wrongly saying I don’t live nearby and then complaining about anonymity (presumably in an attempt to gag me) does you no credit. I have a valid personal reason for posting anonymously. If you want to disagree on the issues then fine, please do – we live in a democracy and that’s absolutely your right.
As a member of the bowling club at Bramley Park we have for several years canversed for a skate park to be placed in the park. Following the award of a £175000 grant meetings were held at the park with reps from the council parks dept, local interested parties,bowling club members to obtain were the funding would be best spent. The question of a skate park was high on the agenda as it was concidered a possible solution to the high vandalism at in the park.
This was rejected by the Parks department as too expensive.
I think that this was a missed opportunity as the proposed development would have solved many problems caused by vandalism.
You may be interested to note that the then future councilor Ritchie also attending some of these meetings and would I feel sure be willing to contribute to the proposal.
I agree, “if you can’t own it don’t write it”
I would be against a Bramley Skate Park as I think it would be an eyesore just as other parks I have seen are, including the one at Pudsey Park.
Bramleyite, in no way would I wish to gag you as I totally agree that you are entitled to your opinion, as I am mine. Whether we agree with each other is immaterial as I’ve gone through most of my life agreeing to disagree with my wife! The anonymous postings are a real bone of contention with me, not just your posting. My concern about the skatepark is that there has been nothing put out into the public domain, or opinions canvassed by the organisers. We probably agree on most things. Take care!
Great idea for skatepark in Bramley Park ….
Amazing idea! shame that old people like Debs will ruin it for the kids that actually benefit from it 🙁
I live rite on the edge of Bradley park and think it would be a brilliant idea. Nothing better to keep young people occupied and away from trouble also could be beneficial to aspiring athletes now wheeled sports are becoming widely accepted now, these sports NEED facilities there’s many football pitches and tennis courts lets even it up a bit